Chapter 30 Summary

Ray and Japhy take a prolonged two-day hike and return to the shack exhausted and sore. The party has ended in their absence, and they eat a quiet dinner and talk. Sean, Christine and their children walk to the shack and visit, saying their good-byes to Japhy. Ray and Japhy spend Japhy's last night talking. It is mid May.

In the morning, Japhy boards his boat for Japan. One of Japhy's girlfriends also boards the boat and finally has sex with him, begging him first to stay and then, when he refuses, to take her with him. She cries and makes somewhat of a scene, but as the boat is pulling away from the dock, Japhy picks her up and bodily throws her overboard to Sean, who catches her. Japhy embarks on his new path alone.

Chapter 30 Analysis

Japhy comes full circle and...